Jesus Exposes Wealth's Grip and Promises a New Family

He loves the man, then names the thing that owns him

There comes one running, who kneels and asks, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? Jesus says, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. He points him to the commandments that protect neighbor. The man answers that he has observed all these from his youth. Then Jesus beholding him loves him, and says, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. The man is sad and goes away grieved, for he had great possessions. Love and the hard word arrive together.

How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter. The disciples are astonished. Who then can be saved? With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Peter notes what they have left. Jesus promises a hundredfold now in this time — houses, brethren, sisters, mothers, children, and lands, with persecutions — and in the world to come eternal life. Many that are first shall be last. The hundredfold is a new family under pressure, not a guarantee of wealth, houses, or financial return. Do not turn the promise into an investment brochure.